In a historic audience on Saturday, Pope Leo XIV met with participants of the Jesus Youth International Conference, marking the ecclesial association’s first formal meeting with the Successor of Peter. The special encounter commemorated 40 years since the founding of the movement in Kerala, India, highlighting its decades of dedication to engaging young people in the life of the Church.
The meeting comes on the heels of a significant milestone for the organization. On Friday, October 23, the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life officially approved the revised statutes of Jesus Youth. This step follows a three-year synodal consultation process within the movement and comes a decade after its initial recognition as an international association of the faithful by the Holy See in May 2016.
Recalling the origins of the movement within the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Pope Leo emphasized that authentic ecclesial renewal begins with a personal discovery of Christ’s love. He noted how members initially joined forces to channel their spiritual enthusiasm into a structured community capable of sustaining their missionary drive, particularly in areas where Christians are a minority.
Highlighting the testimonies of faith nurtured by the association, the Pope pointed to Ajna George, who drew strength from her devotion to the Eucharist during severe illness and trials. He encouraged the movement to maintain its apostolic zeal, expand to new countries, and help young people discern their vocations—whether to marriage, the priesthood, or religious life—reminding them that their lives are integral to God’s plan.
Concluding his address, Pope Leo XIV urged Jesus Youth members to preserve their youthful enthusiasm while actively fostering unity across diverse cultures, languages, and ritual backgrounds. He called on them to remain steadfast in their mission of helping young hearts everywhere discover the love of Christ.